I Scream for Florence Ice Cream!

By Tammy H. – Guestblogger from Florence
Have you ever wondered who invented ice cream? All the guidebooks about Italy, including Elizabeth Gilbert's bestseller EAT, PRAY, LOVE, say that the best gelato (ice cream) comes from Florence, Italy. Now I know why, after having eaten at least one ice cream cup or cone a day during my two-week study tour in Florence. And I had to find out the answers to all my “who, what, where, when, why, how” questions about ice cream.
Gelato was invented by Bernado Buontalenti and his last name means Good Talents. He was born in Florence in 1536 and died in 1608. He was very talented and was employed by the Medicis as an architect, a military engineer, a stage designer, and a master of ceremony at the Medicis' court. Buontalenti's main achievements include the decoration of Plasso Pitti and the Boboli Gardens, and the design of the Fort of Belvedere in Florence. Legend has it that when the Medicis had a great banquet for a delegation of Spanish diplomats in the summer of 1565, Buontalenti was in charge of the usual dining arrangements. But he surprised and greatly impressed everyone with a luscious, creamy, cold and delicious new dessert. It was the world's first ice cream. With his chemical knowledge, he just mixed egg yolks, honey, milk, butter, and a drop of sweet wine and froze it. Of course, word of this yummy creation soon spread all over Europe, and then all over the world.
My favorite gelaterie (ice cream shops) are Grom on Via Oche near Piazza del Duomo, Gelateria dei Neri on Via dei Neri and Gelateria Cillo also on Via dei Neri. I'd go there after lunch or after a long hot day and order a small cup or cone with two different flavors for 1.80 or 2 euro. My favorite flavors are pistachio, coffee, fragola (almond), flavor of the month, and at Grom's, gelato come una volta (ice cream – like once upon a time).